Key matchups: Dolphins vs. Jaguars

DAVIE – On the surface there's not much to see here. The Miami Dolphins (5-8) have lost five of their last six games, and the Jacksonville Jaguars have lost, well, 11 of 13.

However, for Dolphins fans this is one of those rare games you mark down as a victory. And each of those games is crucial. Miami already blew one by getting blown out at home by Tennessee, 37-3, in the franchise's second-worst home loss ever.

But the real capper for Sunday is the Dolphins absolutely can't lose to Jacksonville quarterback Chad Henne, who had a disappointing four-year stay in South Florida.

This is almost a must-win game for the Dolphins.

With that in mind, here are the key matchups for Sunday's 1 p.m. game, which will be played at Sun Life Stadium.

Dolphins RT Nate Garner vs. Jaguars LDE Jason Babin

Expect Garner, making his second start of the season, to have a rough day. Garner became a starter because left tackle Jake Long sustained an injury and right tackle Jonathan Martin switched sides to replace Long. Babin (6.5 sacks), claimed off waivers on Nov. 28 after being released by Philadelphia, is a two-time Pro Bowl selection who will give the Dolphins fits. Expect tight end Anthony Fasano and running back Daniel Thomas to help all day. One-on-one, Babin will probably dominate Garner.

Jaguars RB Montell Owens vs. Dolphins MLB Karlos Dansby

Here's the thing about this matchup: if the Dolphins can shut down Owens they make the Jaguars one-dimensional, meaning the game rides on Henne's right arm. Dolphins fans will take those odds. Owens rushed for 91 yards on 14 carries last week against the New York Jets. But Dansby (105 tackles) is having a good year. With defensive tackles Randy Starks and Paul Soliai tying up the offensive linemen, Dansby should have clear shots at Owens.